THE SILVER LINING

 Although all States prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors, proper enforcement of laws had been grossly overlooked leading to a splurge of malpractices that have been corroding the tender saplings even before they have begun to blossom.  States and localities have taken to enforcement activities, compliance checks and retailer education in order to fulfill their stringent measures to keep the minors at bay. States have banned tobacco vending machines except in areas where they are inaccessible to minors.  Federal policy initiatives require ensuring that all States revoke licenses for

State minors’ access laws. Participation of State and local communities to ensure effective implementation is the core element in the efforts to address the issue of curbing the purchase of tobacco products by minor. Their initiative must also target social sources of procuring tobacco for young people, including friends, siblings, and parents.  Adolescent perceptions that increase their susceptibility to tobacco use are:

1. Tobacco use is the norm as they have peer and sibling approval for consumption of tobacco products. 2. The staunch notion that it benefits one by lifting ones spirits in times of stress by sharply enhancing clarity of thought. 3. Spit tobacco use and its resultant health hazards are generally beyond the scope of their immature brains.

The silver lining!

A strong anti tobacco campaign combined with a tax increase on tobacco products has remarkably reduced the number of smoking individuals in California and Massachusetts in a limited span when compared to other States around the US.

The Minnesota Heart Health Program reduced approximately 40 percent of the community smokers it came in contact with at various organized meets. A